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My B-17 crew survived Nazi-occupied France in World War II. Now I'm the last man standing.
My B-17 crew was shot down on a bombing mission to Germany. We had no idea what lay ahead of us in Nazi-occupied France and what we would later endure. (www.usatoday.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
My brother in law, Clarence Roundtree, from Oklahoma died here in the UK in February 2015 at age 91. He was also 19 when he first flew in a B17 over Germany out of Kimbolton airfield. He had met my sister and after doing 25 missions he stayed on to do more. It was on the second tour that he was also shot down behind enemy lines over France. He made it back to UK though the French resistance and while in Paris he was given a silver Sainte Christophe by a French resistance lady: my sister still has that lucky charm. At the time he died I believe he was one of only two 8th Airforce crew living in the UK. My sister did not follow him to the US in 1946 but married someone else. However, my father and then me had remained in touch and when her first husband died in 1989 Clarence came over to UK and married my sister in 1991. They were both 68 years old at that time. I regret he did not speak more about his experiences during the war but these old timers generally did not. I have known ex Royal Air Force pilots from that time and they were the same. Bless'em All!
who really knows much aout any direction of one's life around 20 years of age? THese gentlemen adapted and excelled and the trajectory of a useful life was set in motion, lasting until ages around 75 to 85. I honor and salute these people, and feel the loss from afar as the ten whittle down to just one. I have been in a B-17: narrow, noisy, very close quarters. They made hallowed the aircraft they flew and the results we all honor. The last is 94 years old, but not in his memories.
Yea, been in both a -17 & -24. They’re not as roomy as tv & movies make it out to be. I had the opportunity back in 1973 to attend my late Father’s WW2 reunion. Wish I had pictures of it to look back on.
Thanks for the info sorry for those who chose to down vote this that one of the few remaining WW11 vets chose to write. Thank you for your service.
Thank you Capt'n to you and your crew for a job well done.
Tank you for you & your crewmembers service for our country. The greatest generation!